De Villiers has previously highlighted winning the 2019 World Cup in the UK, and ending years of near misses for his country at cricket's showpiece event, as one of the main goals in the latter stages of his career.

It's a view that has been echoed by long-time teammates Dale Steyn, Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis, who will all be older than 34 by the end of the World Cup.

"I want to do anything possible to get there," de Villiers said last January in explaining his decision to take a break from Test cricket.

What makes AB de Villiers so special?

"We haven't lifted a trophy before. Yes, it's important to play other formats but mentally and physically I want to be in a good space come 2019 World Cup.

"Hopefully by then I would still be fit, and lift the trophy with the boys."